Edward Scicluna has officially returned as Governor of the Central Bank of Malta, a year after stepping aside due to criminal charges related to the Vitals hospitals deal. The government confirmed the move on Tuesday, adding that Scicluna will also reclaim his seat on the European Central Bank’s governing council.Scicluna, a former finance minister and economist, had requested to resume his duties. His return was approved following consultation with the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the European Central Bank, which raised no objection.The government thanked Deputy Governor Alexander Demarco, who has served as acting governor since Scicluna’s temporary withdrawal in 2023. Scicluna had initially resisted calls to step aside following his arraignment but eventually agreed to take a back seat after mounting public pressure, while retaining his title.The case at the centre of the controversy involves the controversial concession of three public hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare, later passed on to Steward Health Care. Scicluna, along with several former officials including ex-Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, was charged with fraud, misappropriation, and fraudulent gain. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the case remains ongoing in court.Scicluna’s reinstatement has sparked renewed scrutiny, given the unresolved legal proceedings and the sensitivity of the Central Bank’s role in safeguarding financial stability and institutional credibility. The government has not issued further comment on how it assessed the reputational risks, or whether any conditions were attached to his return.With his comeback, Scicluna resumes one of Malta’s most senior economic roles and regains voting rights on the ECB’s governing council, which sets monetary policy for the euro area.The Central Bank has made no public statement on how it plans to manage public trust or institutional independence under these circumstances.Do you agree with Edward Scicluna being reinstated?•